McCullough: It's massive

Rovers defender Luke McCullough has stated his joy at receiving his first international call up.

The 20 year old, who made 15 appearances for Paul Dickov’s side last season, will represent Northern Ireland against World Cup participants Uruguay and Chile.

“It’s massive, that’s the reason you play as a young boy, to be given this opportunity,” he said.

“I was, and still am, delighted to have received the call, I’m just hoping I can get some game time as the gaffer is using it as a chance to look at everyone in the squad and assess his options.

“When you look at the teams we will be playing in Chile and Uruguay, they’re going to the World Cup and have world class players such as (Edison) Cavani and (Luis) Suarez.”

The former Manchester United trainee, who received confirmation of his call-up via e-mail from the Northern Irish Football Association, was quick to emphasise that while he will be going all out against Suarez, it won’t be to the benefit of Uruguay’s group D opponents, England.

“Last season, I was trying to establish myself as a Championship defender and that is only going to stand me in good stead in the long run, as is this experience.

“I no longer feel that I’m a young boy, I’m developing in to a young man and a footballer who wants to stake a claim for a first team place next season. I want to come back next season and work hard and fight for my place.”

Luke is the latest in a line of players to gain international recognition while at the Club and South Africa Captain and Rovers teammate Dean Furman congratulated the youngster on social media.